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7 Things You Need to Know About Plantar Fasciitis

21 March 2021
Jared Thomas
2 Comments
Categories: chiropractic, chiropractor, Exercises, healing, healthcare, Ice, Ice Bucket, Massage, Roseville Chiropractic, Roseville Chiropractor, Uncategorized

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common and painful foot conditions. It is treatable but the longer you go without taking care of it, the harder it is to get back to normal. Here is a list of seven things you should know if you think you have plantar fasciitis.

  1. What is plantar fasciitis? Anatomists use plantar to refer to the sole of the foot. Fascia is a thin sheath of connective tissue that encases and connects structures in the body. The plantar fascia is located in the sole of the foot and connects the front of the foot to the heel and accommodates them to form the longitudinal arch of the foot. Basically, it is a web-like ligament that provides shock absorption and supports the arch while walking. Whenever “-itis” is added to a word it indicates inflammation. So, plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia.
  2. Stretch the calves! The fascia that surrounds the Achilles tendon and the calf muscles above it connect to the plantar fascia. Stretching the the calves is vital in treating plantar fasciitis. To properly stretch these muscles stand close to a wall with one leg forward and one leg back. Plant the rear heel to the ground with the knee bent. Lean forward with your hands against the wall until you feel a nice stretch in the back of your leg. It is important to perform this stretch at least once a day and to hold for longer than 30 seconds.
  3. Break up scar tissue. Plantar fasciitis occurs when there are microtears in the tissue. These tears are usually the result of repetitive stress and/or a decrease in elasticity. Age, weight, activity, nutrition, injury, and foot shape and function are all contributing factors. When tissue tears, a scar forms which is less elastic and prone to reoccurring tearing. Breaking up this scar tissue is important. To do so I recommend firmly rubbing the sole of the foot over a soft corner of a coffee table or on a frozen knobby water bottle. I will often strip the plantar fascia with my thumb on a willing, if not masochistic, patient. Massage therapists are often happy to oblige in this particular form of torture/treatment, as well.
  4. Ice your foot. Speaking of frozen water bottles, as this is an inflammatory issue, icing it will reduce the inflammation and arrest further tissue damage from this process. As mentioned above, rubbing your foot on a frozen water bottle will not only break up scar tissue but will also ice the sole of the foot. If that doesn’t take care of the inflammation it may be necessary to use an ice bucket. This is its own form of torture but quite effective. You can find more information on that here.
  5. The arch of the foot needs to be addressed. In my practice I often adjust feet. If the joints of the feet are not moving properly, it can put a strain on the plantar fascia and it can overwork the calf muscles. Sole inserts can also assist in correcting the proper mechanics of the foot and reduce the stress placed on the plantar fascia. I recommend trying a non-custom insole that has sufficient arch support and a decent heel cup. I like Superfeet that you can buy at REI or Kaiser but I am also trying out a new company that I will write a product review for if I like them. You can also get a great product from The Good Feet Store but it is an expensive product. If none of those options work, a podiatrist and some chiropractors can fit you for a custom orthotic. I have strong opinions about these and really prefer ones that correct gait. I really do not like posts that only correct the foot while standing. Unfortunately, the vast majority of orthotics are the latter.
  6. Podiatrists can help. A good podiatrist, or foot doctor, can make a big difference in difficult cases of plantar fasciitis. If you have done everything I mentioned above and you are still struggling, you made need more invasive intervention. If a podiatrist tells you to wear a boot for six weeks, I recommend getting a second opinion. This usually just means that they don’t think it is bad enough to do something more invasive and they are too busy to tell you to do more of the above. If it is severe enough, the first aggressive step is to get a cortisone injection. This is not without risk. Cortisone is very effective in reducing inflammation and can be what is needed to put the foot on a healing course. However, it also dries out tissue. As dehydration leads to a decrease in elasticity, cortisone can worsen the problem. At the very extreme, surgery is the last option. Typically the podiatric surgeon will cut the plantar fascia and release the tension placed on it. Yes, it is the last resort but there are times when it has to be done. By the way, I know some really good podiatrists in the area.
  7. Is it really plantar fasciitis? Finally, just because you have foot pain and your GP diagnosed it as plantar fasciitis doesn’t mean that is what you have. I cannot tell you how many times people have told me they have plantar fasciitis and I rub my fingers along the sole of the foot eliciting zero pain. It will absolutely be painful with tiny bumps on the sole of the foot if you have plantar fasciitis. Often times the real problem is that the foot is maladjusted. Getting it adjusted enough can remedy the problem in this case. Sometimes it is an Achilles or calf issue. In that case, stretching and massaging the calf can help. Occasionally, a heel spur is the culprit. Most people have heel spurs and they are rarely the cause. But, I have had patients where it made a huge difference to have surgery to remove them. Lastly, the heel has a fat pad that provides cushion while walking. If it gets injured it is extremely painful. There is not much but rest and maybe cortisone that will help with that.

***Photo by Imani Bahati on Unsplash

Massage and Chiropractic

19 March 2021
Jared Thomas
No comments
Categories: chiropractic, chiropractor, healthcare, Massage, muscle spasm, Uncategorized

Just about everyday I get asked whether it would be a good idea to get a massage. Almost always my answer is absolutely! I am a big fan of massage as a healing art and a therapy. As with all professions, there are very good practitioners and some that are not so great. I have, of course, known patients who have been to massage therapists that caused more discomfort and may have even caused some tissue damage. However, most therapists do a good job helping people relax their muscles, free their fascia, move their lymph, etc. Remember, massage therapists in the State of California are licensed and have many hours of schooling and practice and if you go to a reputable clinic, you will be in good hands.

Like chiropractic adjustments, it is rarely bad to get a massage at any time. However, also like adjustments, the type of massage must adapt to the body’s condition. For example, when people ask if they should get a massage right after an auto accident, I am often hesitant to endorse such a therapy. The right kind of massage can help flush out inflammation and soothe really sore muscles. However, if the massage therapist is too aggressive the muscles might spasm completely. In addition, massaging recently injured tissues can cause more swelling. On the same note, massage, when muscles are in spasm, requires a special touch. Most massages will help settle down spasmed muscles. Notwithstanding, if the muscles are spasming, chances are they are doing so to protect an injured joint. Take away what is protecting the joint and there are often painful consequences that could prolong healing.

Another question that often comes up is whether it is better to get a massage before or after an adjustment. Most people think that getting massaged before getting adjusted means they are relaxed for a better adjustment. While that is true, as a chiropractor, often times I find that if the muscles and the joints are too relaxed, it can be difficult isolate the stiffer joints and get them to move properly due to the laxity of normal functioning ones. In general, I prefer to adjust people before they get massaged. Adjustments can settle muscles that are tight while protecting joints that are not functioning properly. Personally, I much prefer to get massaged after getting adjusted because it allows me to enjoy the massage better. At the end of the day, it really comes down to preference whether one gets adjusted before or after an adjustment, but more often than not, I would choose to get adjusted before getting a massage.

Regular massages are wonderful thing. How often and how long you need to be massaged is a great discussion to have with your therapist. Additionally, people respond to different techniques and therapists. I have had many massages throughout the years from various massage therapists. I have also enjoyed some styles better than others. Some massages I enjoyed the results much more than the process. To that point, some people feel a massage has to hurt to be of any benefit. I disagree. Sometimes the body needs to be worked over significantly and sometimes it just needs a light touch. A good massage therapist who is intuitive and willing to listen to the patient will know what to do and when.

***Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

My Interview with the Wealth Preservation Podcast

4 September 2020
Jared Thomas
No comments
Categories: Uncategorized

Back in March I had the pleasure of recording an interview with my friends and money managers, Josh Saunders and Mark Seither, who host the Wealth Preservation Podcast. In the first episode we talked about my business model and why I do what I do. In the second I talk more about how I have marketed my practice using networking and social media. I have had many friends, family, an

YouTube >> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV4PyFJJZ5sG7-QSyX2DOuA/videos

Apple Podcast >> https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wealth-preservation-podcast/id1493231689

Stitcher >> https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/wealth-preservation-podcast

Website >> https://www.wealthpreservationpodcast.com/

Adjustment >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3x_6hI70Dc

Compliance video >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly7kaoIroJ0

Germaphobia Vs. Immunology

25 April 2020
Jared Thomas
3 Comments
Categories: chiropractic, Germs, Health, Roseville Chiropractor, Uncategorized

Full disclosure, I am a germaphobe and have suppressed my obsessive tendencies since I discovered them as a pre-teen. Like most of us, I was taught about hygiene around the 5th grade. You know, when kids are on the verge of stinking if they don’t shower often enough. Since that time when I learned about bacteria and other germs, I made sure to wash my hands often. Then, one day around 7th grade, I watched an after-school special (Gen X-ers will remember those). It was about a kid who was an obsessive hand-washer due to his OCD. As I watched this kid struggle I had an epiphany. I was that kid! My hands were chapped. I avoided touching things, just in case. I would never drink from someone else’s cup or share a spoon. I was a germaphobe!

A phobia is an extreme or irrational fear. I had taken it to the irrational level thinking everything I was doing could keep me from catching a germ. At the time I realized my folly, I understood that trying to protect oneself completely is impossible. As I have studied, I learned why trying to do so is dangerous. I am afraid that with the response to COVID-19, we are becoming, as a civilized society, germaphobes. The risk of such phobic behavior has the potential to be infinitely more harmful than the novel coronavirus we have been trying to stop.

Immunology is the study of the immune system or how the body responds to foreign substances or infectious organisms. The basic tenets of Immunology concern exposure to a pathogen and the body’s ability to fight it off. There are many weapons against invaders so, keep in mind that I am just touching upon the very basics. B-cells seek out pathogens and attack them. T-cells find infected cells and kill off the cell so the pathogen cannot reproduce. This process can take a week or more. Whenever these types of cells go to work, they create armies of these antibodies and they also record the way they attacked the antigen so that should a person ever be exposed to an antigen again, the body will be ready to the point where the likelihood of another infection is extremely low. This is why when I was a kid and had chickenpox, my parents made my siblings play with me to get it, too. That way, we would all have it and would develop lifelong immunity to the disease. In addition to T and B-cells, and there are many different types, there are also substances that we can ingest that help boost our immune system. This is seen when a newborn, who does not have an active immune system, is given antibodies through her mother’s milk or when people get an immunoglobulin shot.

The key to developing a strong and healthy immune system is to gain exposure to a wide variety of germs and letting our bodies fight off those antigens and build armies against them for the future. If we are never exposed, we cannot develop antibodies to fight off the infection. This is the basis for vaccination, expose a person to a virus so their immune system can develop the antibodies necessary to fight it off if exposed to the virus again. If enough people in a community have developed the antibodies to fight off an infection, herd immunity is achieved and the spread of the disease is negligible.

There are germs on and around us at all times. Most perform a vital function in the balance of life. If a host becomes immunocompromised, germs can proliferate unchecked. We have to keep our immune systems ready to fight off diseases. What we do not exercise becomes weak. If you completely isolated yourself for long enough, you would not be exposed to any new or changing germs. When you entered into society again, you would most likely get sick from some antigen that your peers had already developed immunity against. This is the danger of prolonged social distancing! We need to share our germs to survive as a species. You cannot develop a strong immune system by isolating yourself. Likewise, if we kill off or block the germs we need to maintain ecological balance with copious use of disinfectant wipes, excessive hand sanitizing and washing, and ubiquitous use of masks, we will not only throw off the balance but we will also have a more severe flu and cold season than we have seen in a very long time.

The notion that we need to shelter in place until a vaccine is developed, is preposterous. We are so focused on the virulence of the Coronavirus that we are completely ignoring the fact that now is the time most of us should be sharing and therefore building up immunity to the flus and colds that will hit us later. These are the same flus and colds for which they have never created an effective vaccine. It is shortsighted to focus only on COVID-19, and that is just from an immunological point of view, the social and financial dangers, notwithstanding. Viruses move through communities quickly. If we have not developed herd immunity to COVID-19 at this point, which I truly believe we either have or are close, then let’s fight it head-on. Those with compromised immune systems and others with higher risk factors need not be in the fray. Those are the individuals who should shelter in place. The rest of us need to share our germs. If we remained isolated, there will never be a good time to rebalance.

In my opinion, and I share this with many other professionals who are much smarter and more educated than I, it is now time to ease back into society. It should be a process. Stop wearing your mask unless you are symptomatic, have a high probability of being an asymptomatic carrier, or around people who are known to be susceptible. Ease up on the sanitizing of every surface. Shake hands. Hug. Meet with friends and neighbors. Be social. Obviously, do all of these things with those who do not appear to be at risk or with those who may have been exposed. Staying inside might have been important while we were analyzing the threat and flattening the curve, but now it is time to save lives by not staying in.

Photo by Tai’s Captures on Unsplash

 

 

“Do you accept Kaiser?” “Yes, we do, sort of…”

14 April 2020
Jared Thomas
1 Comment
Categories: chiropractic, chiropractor, Health, healthcare, primary care, Roseville Chiropractic, Roseville Chiropractor, Uncategorized

We get calls every day asking if we take Kaiser patients. Of course, we do! However, we are not contracted with Kaiser so that is a bit of a misleading statement but let me explain. Kaiser Permanente is one of the largest health care providers and insurance companies in California and its innovation has become revolutionary. Kaiser is both an insurance company and provider of healthcare which has given it a unique way of managing the growing costs of healthcare while still providing quality care.

As a provider, Kaiser does not actually provide chiropractic care. They have acupuncturists, physical therapists, and, of course, all of the traditional medical professionals. At least, as far as I know, they do not employ chiropractors to perform chiropractic care. As an insurance company, they have some policies which include chiropractic care. Kaiser does not actually manage chiropractic benefits for their clients. Instead, they contract out chiropractic benefits to a company named ASH or American Specialty Health. If a chiropractor wants to be on the list of providers for the people who have chiropractic benefits on their Kaiser policy, they must be contracted with ASH.

I am not contracted with ASH nor do I have plans to become contracted with them. ASH is an HMO or health management organization and their model of business is not compatible with mine. HMO’s are willing to cover patients in acute pain who have an injury on their list of conditions suitable for chiropractors to treat. They have models that require justification for care through paperwork. I like more flexibility in treating my patients and I hate extra paperwork. HMO’s have done well in reducing the cost of care for insurance companies. In theory, this means lower premiums and copays for patients.

So, how exactly do I take Kaiser patients? I am glad you asked. First, most Kaiser patients do not actually have chiropractic benefits. So, it makes no difference whatsoever to see an in-network or out-of-network chiropractor. We have a great practice with very affordable fees and super friendly staff. Why wouldn’t you want to see us over anyone else?

For the patients who actually have chiropractic benefits through ASH we can still help. I may not be contracted with ASH and therefore have the privilege of taking a reduced fee in exchange for a policy that will tell me that I can only see a patient six times before having to file another report to get a few more visits until they decide that the patient should be better so they are not paying anymore; then, by the time I get done writing reports and fighting the insurance company, I have wasted enough time and money to make it completely not worth it; but, I can see patients with Kaiser/ASH at no additional cost to the patient.

I routinely accept patients’ regular copays as full payment for care. Compare that to a doc who will take that copay for the six visits the insurance company gives and then charge full price once the insurance company deems their lingering issues resolved. Of course, sometimes patients prefer my monthly care agreement because it works out to be less expensive than paying their copay every time. Either way, it is a better deal for the patient because they are not under the scrutiny of the insurance company but still enjoy the contracted copay or less. In addition, they get great care and it can be completely customized without strict policy guidelines. In that way, we are happy to take care of Kaiser patients and everyone else who has insurance whether we are in-network or not.

***Photo by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash

Our Complicated Decision to Remain Open

19 March 2020
Jared Thomas
No comments
Categories: Uncategorized
I want to thank everyone for sharing their thoughts and concerns with me regarding whether Thomas Chiropractic should remain open as “Essential” during the pandemic. It is an extremely complicated decision and, for now, the responsibility rests completely on my shoulders. After much thought and prayer, we have decided that it is best for the community, my staff, and our families to remain open. As such, Dr. Karp will be working today from 7:30-12:30 and 2-6. We will continue with normal hours until further notice.
I have weighed the risks and contemplated the solutions. My patients who also have “Essential” jobs have pleaded with me to help them stay healthy so they can perform under the stresses and strains of the current situation. I have patients who are in the tender and tenuous stages of healing where any loss in momentum could be devastating. I have other patients who have a very difficult time functioning without regular chiropractic care. Finally, I have an abiding and sincere belief that chiropractic adjustments support the immune system to such an extent that patients who continue care have a demonstrably better chance of fighting off any virus.
Our office is well equipped to maintain proper social distance. We have a decent-sized lobby and six separate treatment rooms. People sign in with a new or freshly cleaned pen. With the decrease in patient visits since the call to limit social contact, the number of people in our office at any given time has not exceeded the recommendations. I appreciate many of the suggestions given regarding sterilization. The truth is that it is impossible to maintain a sterile environment. We certainly do our best but we cannot wipe down every surface that someone might touch and keep it wet with sanitizer for the length of time necessary to kill the germs after anyone comes in. Providing masks, gloves, and disposable table sheets would be amazing but impossible. Even the hospitals are running low on these supplies and you cannot buy them anywhere. It is an expensive and logistical conundrum. That saying, I welcome patients who have their own masks and gloves.
At the end of the day, it is always safest to just stay home, even under non-crisis circumstances. As humans, life is a risk. I believe that the risk of spreading the disease in my office is low at this time. I know many of you vehemently disagree with me. I respect your opinion and your right to have that opinion. I will also remain your friend. I take this risk of my own free will and choice. The liberty and freedom to make such a choice are extremely sacred to me. If you choose not to make the same choice, I will be ready to help you, God willing, after the disease has run its course and life returns.
If you choose to also take the risk to come into my office for care, please do so of your own volition and exercise your own precautions. If you know me at all, you know that I am an advocate for individual responsibility, especially regarding one’s own health. I implore you not to come in if you are displaying any symptoms that might endanger anyone in the office. If you are an at-risk individual and you need special accommodations, please contact me. We can make arrangements while you wait in your car. Take the responsibility upon yourself to limit hand contact with surfaces that get touched often or to use a barrier when you touch any such thing. Avoid touching your face unless you have just cleaned your hands.
I hope you will respect my decision in this matter and understand that it may change as circumstances are so volatile. May we all remain supportive even in our differing opinions and show our greatest quality by expressing love even when understanding is lacking.

Thoughts On the Coronavirus and All Infectious Diseases

6 March 2020
Jared Thomas
1 Comment
Categories: chiropractic, chiropractor, disease, Health, healthcare, Uncategorized

As with anything that dominates the twenty-four-hour news cycle, the Coronavirus or COVID-19 has a spectrum of concern. Please educate yourself on this virus by checking out the CDC’s website. I am writing to give my thoughts from a holistic healthcare provider and, hopefully, a reasonable perspective to help you navigate the fear while still protecting yourself.

You are starting to see memes about surviving the latest end of the world. Let’s be honest, every few years the news goes crazy about some infectious disease that could wipe out entire populations. The disease runs its course, many are infected, several die, and the disease gets under control and passes from global consciousness. Some diseases, particularly the ones they create a vaccine for, stay in the public consciousness because of the shot. These are, generally, very nasty viruses. There is definite cause for concern. However, we need to step back and avoid panicking so we can really fight the spread of such diseases.

Many have written articles about how to protect yourself. I would echo those which encourage you to wash your hands often and avoid close contact with potentially infected individuals. However, we still need to live and function in society. The best defense is not a mask, gloves, or boarding yourself up at your house, but a stellar immune system.

Antoine Bechamp in the 19th Century claimed that it wasn’t germs that cause diseases but that leaving our bodies susceptible to disease was the problem. He argued that there are always germs in great supply about and around us and that until we give them a place to thrive, they stay under control. To prove his point he drank a glass of water infected with cholera and never got sick, so the legend goes. He lived into his 90’s so he, at least, had something going for him.

I am not suggesting that anyone take a flight to China, not that there are any available, to prove the superiority of your immune system. However, we can and should do all we can to keep our immune system performing well. I could write a whole article on keeping your immune system healthy. I will sum up some good ways by saying you need to eat well, drink plenty of water, exercise, get enough sleep, avoid sugar and alcohol, and get adjusted.

I know, I am a chiropractor and I always figure out some angle to work adjusting into the solution. The truth is that chiropractic adjustments have been shown to significantly boost one’s immune system.

Right now, the Coronavirus is not really prevalent in our area. There are a few cases that have been quarantined. Health officials are doing a good job of educating people about what they can do if they suspect an outbreak. In our office, we are taking the normal precautions to ensure that we are not a source location. Please, keep up on your care. Staying healthy, like I mentioned earlier, is still the best defense.

 

When Adjusting the SI Joint Isn’t Enough

1 October 2019
Jared Thomas
No comments
Categories: back pain, chiropractic, chiropractor, Pubic Symphysis, Roseville Chiropractic, Roseville Chiropractor, SI Joint

If you have never had SI joint pain, you are probably wondering where this particular joint is located. If you have had or currently have SI joint pain, you know it can be a pain in the butt, literally. The Si joint or sacroiliac joint is formed by the sacrum, the trapezoidal bone below the lumbar spine and above the coccyx, and the pelvis, or ilia. There are two joints on either side of the sacrum. The movement of the SI joint is called nutation and it is pretty slight. One does not really even notice the movement until it gets stuck and then it is all too obvious.

A chiropractic adjustment can do wonders to relieve the pain associated with an SI joint that is not moving properly. I have found that using the drop table is particularly effective. I usually follow it up with a side posture adjustment. Sometimes, however, that is not enough. On occasion, I find a stuck SI joint even after the adjustment. In these situations, I look to the pubic symphysis.

The pubic symphysis is a tricky joint. It is formed where the pelvis meets in front. It is a cartilaginous joint that is planar. What I find when something is wrong is one of the pubic rami is higher than the other. Because the pubic symphysis is on the opposite side of the SI joint but still the same bone, if it is not moving right, the Si joint will have problems, too. I use an activator to adjust the pubic symphysis. This is a fairly sensitive area so using the activator makes it more comfortable both physically and socially.

So if you are having problems getting the results you need from a typical SI joint adjustment, have your chiropractor check your pubic symphysis. As with all treatment, it can take several visits before you see significant results. Still, you should start seeing some signs of improvement fairly quickly to help you know you are on the right path.